Sruthi Raju(SR): First of all congratulations on winning the State Teacher Award– how does it feel to win?
Chandrashekar(C): I am extremely glad to receive this award. I enjoy playing with children. I never realized how fast time flew by. I still remember requesting my mother to let me play for some more time at the playground. After 25 years of my service I get honored for my passion. I am incredibly grateful for my family, school authorities, and students for the immense support they have given me throughout.
SR: You work in one of the government schools in Andhra Pradesh – what are the challenges that you face?
C: Initially there were many challenges such as the ground was not properly maintained, we did not have sufficient equipment, PE classes were few. However, gradually things started to change with the support of students, school authorities, government funds, and community help. We now have our ground in better shape, enough sports equipment, and more classes are allotted for PE. There must be a collective effort for things to happen. But the most important thing is the dedication we show.
SR: How do you document the students' learning that occurs in your PE classroom?
C: As mentioned earlier, I follow the "part by part" method for my session and the ‘long term athlete development’ for mapping the progress, growth, and development of my students. As per LTAD I try to monitor the growth and development of the students and assess with the battery test. From this battery test, I assess which skill the child is good at and map them accordingly to the activity that they will be most comfortable playing.
SR: How do you accommodate students with a variety of developmental levels and specific learning needs?
C: Having students of different developmental needs with respect to emotional mental or physical is but natural in any class. The activity is first taught by the "part by part" method, where each skill that is required for the game is taught to each and every student either individually or in groups according to availability of the time and availability of the equipment but each and every student has to learn the skill. During this process, I identify the students who pick up quickly and are best at the skill. This is how I identify the developmental needs for the development level in each student and address them accordingly. This helps me understand if they will be able to perform in the activity and progress or if they need to be given some other activity or game according to the level of improvement that they show in the process.
SR: Do you think there should be a written curriculum for physical education? If yes, then why?
C: Yes, according to me, we should have a physical education curriculum. It helps the teacher to conduct the classes much more effectively.
The teacher will have a road map to conduct the session. It helps them plan the session much better.
SR: Describe your experiences using the Physical Literacy concept in PE teaching in Physical Education class how do you use concepts like Psychology, Self & Body, Learning Styles, Child emotions and Lesson Planning
C: Physical literacy is more about conducting inclusive physical education classes contributing to developing a healthy mind and body of the students. When designing the activities for the physical education classes we also have to identify the talent and map the talent of each student. Keep a track of the activity they will be able to perform and accordingly nurture their skills and talent towards excellence. In our country, we start physical education classes from 5th grade as compared to other countries such as China, America, and others. When we start physical education classes from the primary grades this helps identify and match the talent of each student and nurture them towards excellence.
SR: How do you ensure inclusion and engagement for students with special needs?
C: In my classes, I don't sideline children with special needs by making them sit aside, asking them to be spectators rather than being participants. I ensure that they also participate in the activities. They need special attention, special care, and special instructions. After addressing them by giving them special instructions which might be time-consuming, it will be worth the effort when these students participate in activities like other children.
Fortunately, my students have been more than considerate towards children with special needs. Some students carry children with special needs to the ground and back to class.
I have never had to explain to my students the importance of being compassionate and understanding. My students have always been a step ahead in understanding the challenges faced by children with special needs.
SR: What are your personal goals for your teaching career in the next 5 - 10 years?
C: I have never worked for receiving any awards. I had just been doing my duty for the past 2 years. Being with children makes me happy. As a child, I always wanted to play and I am lucky to have fit into the right job where playing is our only job, and playing with children makes it even better. My goal for the next five years will be to look out for the most of my students playing on the ground, and help them excel in the activities they enjoy. Making each of my students play on the ground, and help them excel in the activities they enjoy. Making each of my students a champion in themselves is my goal.
SR: What inspired you to become a PE Teacher?
C: As said earlier, I always wanted to play. When I was studying intermediate one of my seniors inspired me to take up B.PEd and with the support of my physical education director, I became a PE Teacher. Initially, my family was reluctant to take up B.PEd but when my physical education director spoke to my parents about the opportunities in this field they were convinced and now the rest is history. I am incredibly happy and grateful to my family about letting me choose my passion as my career.
SR: What do you enjoy the most about your job? What are the most important qualities you think a PE Teacher should have?
C: The only job that you can happily enjoy and play and continue your life until your retirement is only a PE teacher’s job. If you compare, subjects and language teachers have lots of stress and a lot of desk work but PE Teacher is the only person who gets to play and enjoy with students.
SR: Few words for aspiring PE Teachers.
C: Children are our future. They are the ones who make our nation strong. Let us give our all in each session. Let us give them happy experiences for them to continue participating in activities all their lives.
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